EasyJet pilot's warning to passengers over tannoy causes some to get off plane bound for Rhodes

The warning of an easyJet pilot on a flight bound for the wildfire-stricken Greek island of Rhodes led to many passengers getting off the plane before it even left.

Rhodes has been devastated by wildfires over the last week, with many people having to flee their homes in affected areas.

Tourists visiting the island have also been forced to abandon their hotels.

Some have had to sleep in local schools and gymnasiums while waiting to find out when they can go home. Flights are currently being run to repatriate tourists, with return flights being operated by the military.

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However, there are some parts of the island which are not directly affected by the wildfires, and flights are still carrying passengers to Rhodes for people who wish to start off their summer holidays.

However, one pilot's blunt warning to passengers on a flight to Rhodes was enough for some people to rethink their plans and get off the plane as it sat on the tarmac.

Gwyn Loader, who was on board to report for BBC Wales’ Welsh-language news programme Newyddion, said the easyJet pilot made the announcement before take-off.

Speaking over the tannoy on the flight, the pilot apparently offered passengers the chance to get off the plane, advising them that travelling to Rhodes for leisure was a 'terrible idea'.

The pilot said: "Travelling to Rhodes for a holiday at the moment is a terrible idea. As far as I'm concerned, this flight is being operated on an emergency basis.

"Return flights are now being managed by the military. If you want to get off flight, you are welcome to do so.

"I don't know in what capacity you are travelling, but if you are travelling for leisure, my sincere recommendation is it's a bad idea."

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And the warning was enough for some would-be holiday-makers to have second thoughts about their plans and get off the plane, as of the 37 people on board the flight from Gatwick to Rhodes, eight got off.

The wildfires have seen evacuation orders put in place for parts of Rhodes and Corfu, with reports emerging that some tourists had to be evacuated to safety by boat as routes via land became inaccessible.

Officials have described the operation as the biggest evacuation in Greek history, with some 19,000 people moved to the north of Rhodes as wildfires tear through the south coast and through the centre of the island, impacting a huge area.

Those on the island can expect to face 40C heat. The combination of a heat wave and strong winds has fanned the flames, causing widespread devastation.

It is believed that climate change has increased the length of the wildfire season - early July saw the hottest days on record, four days in a row.